Proud news has come to the Sikh community living in America. Sikh youth Chirag Vir Singh Sarao has created history by becoming the first hairy Sikh American to enroll in the prestigious US Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs. This historic achievement has been officially confirmed by the American Sikh Council.
According to the council, Chirag Vir Singh Sarao was appointed to the academy on April 4. After a long administrative and legal process, he was granted a special religious accommodation on June 20. Under this permission, he will be able to serve in the US Air Force while maintaining his hair, beard and other Sikh religious symbols, which is being considered an important step towards religious freedom and equal opportunities.
Chirag Vir Singh Sarao officially participated in the academy’s In-Processing Day (I-Day) on June 24. He is currently undergoing a rigorous six-week military training, which is mandatory for every new cadet and teaches them military discipline, leadership and physical fitness.
Even before his selection to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Chirag had already proven his talent. He had received full scholarship offers from both the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and the Naval ROTC. He was also offered admission to prestigious US institutions such as the University of Southern California and the University of Washington.
The American Sikh Council also noted Chirag’s other achievements. He has excelled not only in his studies but also in sports and leadership activities. He has earned Scouting’s highest honor, Eagle Scout, is a second-degree black belt in taekwondo and has also represented the university’s varsity water polo team.
It is worth mentioning that the United States Air Force Academy located in Colorado Springs is one of the five major federal service academies in the United States. Here, students are given specialized training in military discipline, leadership, and national service along with a high-level education. Cadets who graduate from the academy are directly commissioned as second lieutenants in the US Air Force or the US Space Force.
